The recently held 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards became an emotional event for the "Running Man" cast. With Lee Kwang Soo honored with a Top Excellence Award, the actor's fellow cast members Song Ji Hyo and Ji Suk Jin became teary-eyed with his achievement.
Christmas is usually a day of celebration and festive parties with family and friends. However, the said holiday became a memorable and emotional day for the "Running Man" cast members.
Lee received his Top Excellence Award for Variety during the 2016 SBS Entertainment Awards held on Dec. 25, Sunday. The "Entourage" actor even spent several minutes hugging his fellow cast members before he went to the stage to receive his award.
The South Korean actress Song, Ji and other cast members of the SBS variety show had a hard time holding back their tears over Lee's SBS award and acceptance speech. Song even had to turn away from the camera to wipe away her tears when she noticed that her reaction was being filmed.
Given the impending end of "Running Man" following the show's casting controversy, Lee's acceptance speech was filled with special messages directed to the staff and cast members. He named Ji, Yoo Jae Suk and Kim Jong Kook as his mentors, while he described Haha, Song, including former members Gary and Song Joong Ki, as part of his family.
Meanwhile, "Running Man" is set to air its final episode in early 2017 after the SBS show's cast and crew members agreed to end the long-running program. The decision was made after an emergency meeting held Dec. 16 identified the fate of the show, as well as ironed out miscommunication issues between Song, Kim and the producers, according to Korea Herald.
In other news, Lee also received the Best Couple Award during the 2016 KBS Entertainment Awards, according to Soompi. Held on Dec. 24, Saturday, the actor was given the said honor alongside his "The Sound of Your Heart" co-star Jung So Min.
"Running Man" will air its final episode in February 2017. Watch a clip of Lee's SBS Award acceptance speech below: